HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-0718 REG MINMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
July 18, 1978
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SOLAR ENERGY
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Postponement-Ash. Hills
Susitna Heights
Mayor Prickett led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting to
order at 7:30 P.M. in the English Lecture Hall on the above date.
Councilmembers Phelps, Drescher, Laws, Hamilton and McCannon were
present.
McCannon moved that minutes of the regular meeting of June 20, 1978
and special meeting of July 10, 1978 be approved and placed on file;
Hamilton seconded and on voice vote the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Laws withdrew his solar energy topic and requested a study
session on Tuesday, July 25 at 7:30 P.M. in Council Chambers at City
Hall.
City Administrator Almquist reported that public hearings 4 and 5
relating to annexation and zone change requests by Ashland Hills
are being postponed and reset for August 1, 1978. On Laws' ques-
tion as to why they are both being held on the same evening the
City Administrator explained it was being coordinated to save time.
Laws reminded Council that the public hearing on Susitna Heights is
being continued for consideration as regards the Planning Commission's
condition that requires paving and the need for placement of utilities
before street improvements etc. On Laws' question as to placement of
services, Alsing said that you could guess but in some instances there
would need to be modification. Laws moved to add condition saying the
developer put in water and sewer facilities according to plans and
specifications provided by the City and be reimbursed on a lot by lot
basis; Ragland seconded. Don Pinnock, representing the H & S Construc-
tion Company said the City is not correct in asking that H & S put
services in under the rules and said of the thirteen conditions put
on by the Planning Commission, the developer is appealing only two.
Pinnock said this was the only matter being appealed and Council is
not proper in opening up something that was not done or considered
previously. Pinnock stated that the developers do not need those
services themselves.
Henry Kneebone who owns adjoining land asked about connect fees and
was told that the ordinance has been changed to charge a flat fee
based on an average 80' lot and noted that Thunderbird Heights had
been served through the old ordinance which charged by the running
foot. Alsing explained that subdividers put the mains in place and
the City puts in the services. Andy Wilson of 1000 Strawberry Lane
opposed the subdivision and asked why twelve years ago when a develop-
ment was proposed that it wguld have been necessary to have three
access roads and one only is now called for. Wilson said if they
were planning to build one house on an acre it would be alright but
three or four would have too much impact on the neighborhood.
Vicki Neuenschwander of 455 Tolman Creek Road opposed the development
saying that roads to area are not sufficient and it does not follow
the orderly growth criteria. On roll call vote, Ragland, Drescher,
Phelps, Hamilton and Laws voted YES. McCannon opposed. 7/18/78 Pg. 1
gegular Meeting Ashland City Council 7/18/78 Pg. 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS Cont.
Traveler's Accommod.
Dennis Toney
Appeal/High Meadows
City Administrator Almquist read a memorandum relative to a request
for five dwellings adjacent to the Palm Motel and a letter from David
Skolnik appealing CUP #229 to allow the use. Almquist asked the ~
memorandum of July 14, 1978, letter from Appellant Skolnik dated June
28, 1978, Staff Report of June 14, 1978 and coplI~~ !ega~ nq~q~ be
made part of the record. Mayor Prickett opened the public hearing.
Debra Healy spoke for the appellant stating that this is a low income
residential area occupied about one half by owners and the balance by
renters. Healy suggested that if the use be allowed that Mr. Toney,
the applicant, be required to install sidewalks. Healy said that if
this use is allowed, more property will be picked up until the resident-
ial property and livability will be destroyed by a commercial effort.
A letter from Gerald Schmidt citing traffic, noise and density as
reasons for opposition.
Don Pinnock, Attorney representing the Toneys said that the units will
be rented out essentially only three months out of the year to travelers
and the rest of the time by students. Pinnock said that Mrs. White who
lives next to the Palm Motel complex wrote a letter in favor of the
request. Pinnock said the owners keep the property in good condition
and have guests coming back each year. Pinnock felt the idea of having
sidewalks is not practical since there are no sidewalks from Mountain
to Wightman. Pinnock said that most of the opposition came from Iowa
& Mountain but when people go down to visit there they would head right
back to Siskiyou Blvd. where they are familiar. Pinnock explained that
the appellant would have to overcome the action of the Planning Commiss-
ion decision by a preponderance of evidence etc. Planner Box said that
findings on public need is not an issue. Pinnock reported that the
alignment of houses would create a problem if sidewalks were required
and that a house would project out to the sidewalk as it sits there.
Ragland said the Chamber of Commerce dropped their traveler accommoda-
tions bureau and felt the need lessened. Ragland moved to uphold the
appeal; Drescher seconded. Drescher said he is concerned about the
impact on the neighborhood and reminded Council of its decision on the
Thormahlen request to provide such facilities in the Pioneer/Hargadine
neighborhood for the same purpose, On roll call motion to uphold appeal
passed unanimously.
A letter from Charlotte A. Sheldon, 243 N. Mountain Avenue was read
appealing the proposed planned unit development known as High Meadows
which had been approved by the Planning Commission on June 14, 1978.
The City Administrator requested that S_heldon's letter of June 27, 1978,
Staff Repor~ dated June 14, 1978 and the legal notice be made part of
the record. Planner Winterowd explained [~i~n~'I'for the ll0-u~it
residential planned unit development to be constructed over a two-year
period and said access has been considered as a problem. Winterowd
said that Hersey Street is scheduled for paving under the FAUS program.
Winterowd expressed concern by Staff regarding a shortage of industrial
property and noted that only one site review had been requested since
the layout of Grizzly Industrial Park since it was platted~
7/18/78 Pg~ 2
Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 7/18/77 Pg~
PUBLIC HEARING
High Meadows cont.
Hank Hampton speaking for himself and Hoffarth as developers of High
Meadows PUD showed elevations and explained the single-family attached
units and physical features of the plan including the layout of the
houses, open space and playground, walkways, active park etc. and said
that access made it difficult to use land for industrial use. Hampton
said that Southern Paeific had agreed to take care of oil spills.
Hampton said there would be restrictive covenants on storage of vehicles
and said that he and Hoffarth are local people and as such would want
to be proud of their development. Hampton said there are plans to oil
mat Hersey Street and to sign up for paving on Mountain. Drescher com-
mented on the useability of the open space saying the topography would
not lend to a baseball park/playing field and wondered if a couple of
units could be deleted to allow for a flat baseball field. Hampton
was agreeable to working something out. As far as the access problem
of the police and fire departments as regards the railroad tracks
along the edge of the property Hampton said it would appear to be a
problem of the City and suggested a meeting. Mayor Prickett asked for
co~nents in opposition to the planned unit development.
Charlotte Sheldon of 243 N. Mountain who had appealed the proposed PUD
spoke in opposition of th~ development saying that it could change the
environment of the area by taking away the rural flavor, generating
traffic and said she feels the proposal is a non-compatible land use
and the land should remain industrial to provide employment. Sheldon
said the development would be too close to the railroad tracks.
Sheldon pointed out that both open space areas are on the outside edges
of the development. Sheldon said that the noise of the train activity
would be above a safe level and that Southern Pacific had no knowledge
of proposed development. Sheldon reported that she had requested a
traffic count and learned that there was 1541 vehicles on Mountain Ave-
nue daily and on a count of Oak Street 200' feet South of Hersey Street
a daily average was 2327. Sheldon added that Hoffarth has purchased
additional property on Hersey for further development and said the
industrial property earmarked in the comprehensive plan should be
protected.
Duane Sanders of Elkader Street spoke in support of upholding the
appeal saying that the Planning Commission had made an arbitrary dec-
ision and said the original idea of the industrial park should be pur-
sued and the people of Ashland should have what they want and need in
the City.
John Eads, attorney representing Robert Williamson of 311 N. Mountain
Avenue spoke in opposition of the development saying that the density
could be no more than 70 units; the proposal violates the comprehensive
plan which reserves industrially designated land for industrial uses
and that a zoning ordinance must follow the land use plan. A{ter fur-
ther comments Eads recommended that Council uphold appeal.
Martha Sharp, 263 N. Mountain, said she went to the Ashland depot and
found S.P. knew nothing of the proposed development and was referred
to Medford office. She said they know nothing about it in Medford
and from there was referred to Portland. She said that officials there
were concerned about the loss of industrial land near the railroad
tracks.
7/18/78 Pg, 3
R~gular Meetin~ Ashland City Council 7/18/78 Pg. 4
High Meadows Appeal cont.
ASHLAND HILLS ANNEX.
ASHLAND HILLS ZONE CHANGE
HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS
MINUTES OF BOARDS, COM-
MISSIONS ETC.
GUTIEKREZ CLAIM
WILEY ST. VACATION REQUEST
Leonard Friedman, 498 Lynn expressed concern for children's safety
because of the traffic anticipated in the area and said it is not
a good place to put additional houses and questioned the rationale of
taking away business and adding three or four hundred people. Fried-
man requested that Council uphold the appeal.
Eugene Mitchell of 271 N. Mountain opposed the proposed development
saying it would have adverse effects in that particular area.
Michael Healy of Southern Pacific reported he knew nothing of the plans
and said his'firm is doing everything possible to clean up oil spill.
Healy said that rail service is increasing yearly and to lose the
industrial opportunity afforded by this service would be detrimental
to the community as business of this nature will have to go elsewhere.
Healy noted that there were no persons in the audience except the
developers speaking in favor of this land-use.
David Sharp of 253 N. Mountain opposed based on noise levels created
by trains.
The points brought up by Eads were discussed by Council and City Attor-
ney advised Council that Box agreed there had been an error in density
and said the public hearing could be continued or the matter could be
returned to the Planning Conmission for clarification. Hampton asked
for expression from Council as to their approval of the concept and
asked for decision one way or another. Box said if Council approves
concept they have the option to resubmit and as conditional use that
density would be permitted as R-3. Ragland said he is reluctant to
vote either way in the absence of clarification of Eads presentation,
and asked permission to abstain. Mayor declined permission stating
only a conflict of interest would be excusable. Phelps moved to
uphold appeal; Laws seconded. Drescher, Hamilton, Ragland, Laws and
Phelps voted YES and McCannon cast the only opposing vote. Motion
carried.
Continued until readvertised.
Continued until readvertised,
City Administrator requested item be deferred until next regular
meeting and Council agreed.
Ragland moved to accept minutes of Boards, Connnissions and Committees;
McCannon seconded and on roll call, all YES.
A letter was read from Attorney Robert R. Dickey relative to a claim
being filed by Mary Gutierrez for personal injuries. City Adminis-
trator Almquist recommended denial and that the matter be passed on
to Cityts insurance carrier. Almquist also noted that the damage
claim had not be filed within the six months limit for such action.
A letter from John Schleining and Duane Smith along with signed
petition was submitted and read. The City Administrator recommended
setting hearing date. Mayor set public hearing for August 15, 1978 at
7:30 P.M.
7/18/78 Pg. 4
Regular Meeting Ashland City Council 7/18/78 Pg'5
PUBLIC FORUM
LIQUOR LICENSE APP.
City Administrator Almquist apologized for having scheduled so many
hearings and asked how Council would like to handle dates. Mayor
suggested that matter come before Council initially and then a public
hearing date should be set at the meeting.
A liquor license application was submitted for Chateaulin Restaurant,
50 E. Main Street for Class '~" Dispenser license. McCannon moved to
approve; Ragland seconded and on roll call al~ members voted YES with
exception of Drescher who abstained.
OAK KNOLL SANITARY SEWER
CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM
Ragland moved to place request for name changeon license of Angelo's
Pizza; Laws seconded and on roll call motion passed unanimously.
Ragland moved to approve; Hamilton seconded and on roll call, passed
unanimously.
Director of Public Works Alsing explained need for 1500 feet of 10"
pipe to accommodate E & G Properties, Oak Knoll and future growth
within urban growth boundary. Phelps moved for approval of request;
Ragland seconded and on roll call, all YES.
A memorandum from Sgt. Vic Lively requesting items needed by the
crime prevention program was submitted. Ragland moved for approval,
Drescher seconded and on roll call, all YES,
URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY
Reiteration of Council support for adoption of goals and policies in
connection with Urban Growth Boundary was discussed and Drescher moved
that staff communicate Council support to County Commissioners;
Phelps seconded and on roll call passed unanimously.
ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
SOLAR ENERGY
ORDINANCES, RES. & CONTRACT
Bike Path Ord.
Senior Citizens Disc.
Rear Yard Set-backs
ASHLAND EMPLOYES ASSN
Memo. of Understanding
etc.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS McCannon moved to accept Depar tal Reports for th of June,
,~ranklln ' ~ckett ~
Citv Recorder ~avor
City Administrator Almquist reported that the cost per employe for
awards dinner would now be approximately $10.00, Mayor appointed '
Drescher and Hamilton as committee with Council approval for reinstate-
ment of awards dinner.
Council agreed to defer Solar Energy item and Mayor set Study Session
for Tuesday, 3uly 25, 1978.
Second reading by title only was given an ordinance which relates to
a prohibition of parking on sidewalks and bike paths. Drescher moved
to adopt; Ragland seconded and on roll call passed unanimously.
City Administrator Almquist gave second reading by title only of an
ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1766 as amended by Ordinance Nos.
1860 and 1884, providing a program of utility discounts for senior
citizens. Phelps moved for adoption; seconded by Ragland and passed
unanimously on roll call vote.
First reading was given an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
relative to rear yard setbacks in single family residential zones.
McCannon moved to second reading; Hamilton seconded and on roll call,
all YES.
Items 4, 5 and 6 as they relate to City employes were considered
and Ragland moved for approval and signature authorization; seconded
by Phelps and passed unanimously on roll call, all YES.
1978,